JACKSON HOLE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE

P.O. Box 2728

Jackson, WY 83001

(307) 733-9417

www.jhalliance.org

11/21/07

Charlie Craighead to share Art of Living with Wildlife

Most Jackson Hole residents cherish the experience of viewing our area’s unparalleled wildlife on a daily basis. But when you notice a 1,500-pound moose munching your expensive landscaping, “cherish” may not be the first word to come to mind.

Renowned writer and cinematographer Charlie Craighead will discuss the art of living with wildlife at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, during the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance’s annual meeting and holiday open house at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 170 N. Glenwood St.

Craighead is the author of “Who Ate the Backyard? Living with Wildlife on Private Land,” a guide to responsible coexistence for homeowners in the Rocky Mountain region. Living in an area with abundant wildlife brings obligations as well as blessings, and the book includes many recommendations for getting along with Jackson Hole’s non-human inhabitants.

“Much of our valley’s appeal to residents is the sense of living in close proximity to wildlife,” Craighead said. “While the spirit of that relationship hasn’t changed, the valley has.” On Dec. 5, he’ll discuss how things have changed here just in the few years since “Who Ate the Backyard” was published in 1977. For instance, drought conditions, a shortage of berries and acorns, and increased development have led to more than 200 human-bear conflicts in Jackson so far in 2007 alone -- more than the past five years combined -- making Craighead’s tips more pertinent than ever.

“Part of living in a rural or suburban home is learning about wildlife,” Craighead said. “Whether you want to encourage deer to winter near you, rid your home of unwelcome rodents, or build a fence that is wildlife-friendly, the first step is information.”

There’s a $5 suggested donation for Craighead’s talk, which will take place just after the Conservation Alliance’s 6 p.m. annual meeting. This short meeting will include an overview of 2007 issues and achievements, the election of new board members, and presentation of the prestigious Outstanding Conservationist of 2007 award.  Following Charlie’s talk, Jackson’s own Margo Valiante, lead singer for the popular band “Boondocks,” will perform from 8 to 9 p.m.

The Conservation Alliance invites everyone in the community to stop by and enjoy any or all of the evening’s events. Holiday beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the open house.

“We look forward to this all year,” said Cindy Harger, managing director. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the past year’s achievements, meet new people and enjoy the holidays.”

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The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to responsible land stewardship to ensure that human activities are in harmony with the area’s irreplaceable wildlife, scenic and other natural resources.